Make Votive Candle Holders

Making stained glass votive candle holders is a fun and creative activity for young people. It allows them to express their creativity in a simple and enjoyable way. By using everyday materials like jars and tissue paper, they can create something beautiful and unique.

This activity helps develop fine motor skills. Cutting tissue paper and applying it to the jar requires careful attention and precision. These skills are important for many tasks in daily life and can improve through practice in crafts like this.

Working on this project can also be a relaxing and calming experience. The repetitive nature of brushing glue and placing tissue paper can have a soothing effect. This can be a great way for young people to unwind and focus their minds on a positive task.

Finally, making stained glass votive candle holders can be a wonderful group activity. It encourages teamwork and sharing ideas. Friends and family can work together, share materials, and enjoy each other’s company while creating something beautiful. This strengthens bonds and fosters a sense of community.

Shining the Light of Faith

Making stained glass votive candle holders can remind us of the beauty of God’s light in our lives. In the Bible, Jesus is called the Light of the World. When we light our candles, we can remember how Jesus guides us and brings light into the darkness. This craft helps young people understand and reflect on this important theme.

The process of creating the candle holders also ties into themes of transformation and renewal. Just as the plain jars become beautiful through the addition of colorful paper, our lives can be transformed by God’s love and grace. This message can be a powerful lesson for young people, showing them that they, too, can change and grow in their faith.

This craft can enhance youth ministry by providing a hands-on activity that reinforces these spiritual lessons. It encourages discussion about faith and allows for moments of reflection. As young people create their candle holders, they can think about how they can be lights in the world, sharing God’s love with others.

Incorporating this craft into catechesis makes learning about faith more engaging and memorable. It combines creativity with spiritual growth, helping young people connect with their faith in a tangible way. This activity can be a meaningful part of any youth ministry program, fostering both community and personal reflection.

Instructions for Votive Candle Holders

Materials

Large baby food jars or other small jars
Tissue paper cut into 1-inch squares
School glue

Bowl
Water
Brush

Battery operated tea light votive candles

Instructions

Put some glue in the bowl. Add a little water to thin the glue. Mix well until you can paint it with a brush.
Brush some glue on a section of the outside of the jar. Do not try to cover the whole jar at once.

Place the tissue paper squares on the glued section. You can make a pattern or place them randomly. Overlap the paper a little but not too much. You want the jar to be translucent so the light can shine through.
Keep adding glue and tissue paper until you cover the entire jar.
Brush a coat of glue over the tissue paper. The colors will blend a little. The more glue you use, the more the colors will blend.

Let the glue dry completely. After it dries, add another coat. You can add up to five coats if you want it to be shinier.
Once all coats are dry, place a votive candle inside the jar.
Light the candle and enjoy the colorful light!

Notes

Variations: You can use colored tissue paper to match liturgical colors or church seasons. Try adding small stickers or sequins for extra decoration.
Safety: Always be careful with lit candles. Do not leave them unattended. Make sure the candle is secure and won’t tip over. Use battery-operated candles for a safer option, especially with young children.

Resources

Click here to view and print a copy of how to make Votive Candle Holders

Unleashing Creativity: The Power of Creative Activities in Youth Ministry

More Youth Ministry Activities

Looking for more fun and meaningful youth ministry activities? Visit our crafts and activities page for a variety of crafts and projects. Along with making stained glass votive candle holders, you can find many other creative ideas to engage and inspire your youth group. These activities help build faith and community in a hands-on way. Check it out for new ways to bring your group together and grow in faith.

Questions and Answers about Stained Glass Votive Candle Holders

What type of jars should I use for making votive candle holders?

You can use large baby food jars or any other small jars you have at home.

What kind of glue works best?

School glue works well for this project. You can dilute it with a little water to make it easier to paint on the jar.

Should I use colored tissue paper?

Yes, colored tissue paper is perfect for making beautiful votive candle holders. You can use different colors to create various designs.

How many layers of tissue paper should I use?

It’s best to overlap the tissue paper a little but not use too many layers. This keeps the votive candle holders translucent so the light can shine through.

How many coats of glue should I apply?

After covering the jar with tissue paper, apply at least one coat of glue over it. You can add up to five coats if you want a shinier finish.

How long does it take for the glue to dry?

Each coat of glue needs to dry completely before adding another. This usually takes a few hours, but it can vary depending on the amount of glue used and the environment.

Are there any safety tips for using votive candles?

Always be careful with lit candles. Do not leave votive candle holders unattended. Make sure the candle is secure and won’t tip over. For extra safety, especially with young children, use battery-operated candles.

Conclusion

Making stained glass votive candle holders is a simple and fun craft that anyone can enjoy. It involves using small jars, tissue paper, glue, and votive candles to create beautiful, colorful decorations. This craft allows you to be creative and use different colors and patterns. The end result is a unique candle holder that shines brightly when a candle is lit inside.

To start, you will need some basic materials: small jars, tissue paper cut into squares, school glue, a bowl, water, a brush, and votive candles. Dilute the glue with a bit of water so it can be easily painted on the jar. Then, brush the glue onto a section of the jar and place the tissue paper squares on top. Continue this process until the entire jar is covered with tissue paper. Finish by adding several coats of glue over the tissue paper, letting each coat dry completely before adding the next.

This craft is perfect for youth groups and can be tied to themes of faith and transformation. It is also a great way to develop fine motor skills and promote relaxation. Making these votive candle holders can be a wonderful group activity, encouraging teamwork and creativity. Plus, the finished product makes a beautiful decoration that reflects the light of Christ.

Your Turn

Try making stained glass votive candle holders with your family or youth group. It’s a fun and creative way to spend time together. Use different colors and patterns to make each candle holder unique. After you try the craft, share your variations and any tips in the comment section. We’d love to see how your projects turn out and hear your ideas for making them even better!